Manufacturers on NAFTA Objectives: Manufacturing Workers Need Strong Rules and Enforcement to Level the Playing Field

Washington, D.C., July 17, 2017 – National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) Vice President for International Economic Affairs Linda Dempsey issued the following statement on the administration’s announcement of NAFTA objectives:

"In his campaign and administration, President Trump has made the American manufacturing worker his priority. The announcement of today's NAFTA principles is the start of a critical negotiation process, and we have the opportunity to strengthen the rules and secure the strongest possible tools to enforce those rules.

"The number one issue is jobs—jobs for manufacturing workers in communities across this country. Right now, Canada and Mexico purchase one-fifth of all manufactured goods produced in the United States, supporting the jobs of more than two million manufacturing workers.

“As we work to modernize NAFTA, we can build a growing U.S. manufacturing economy that can create even more well-paying jobs and opportunities for workers.

"We look forward to continuing to work closely with the administration and members of Congress to ensure the best possible outcome for manufacturers in the United States and their workers."

-NAM-

The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) is the largest manufacturing association in the United States, representing small and large manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states. Manufacturing employs more than 12 million men and women, contributes $2.17 trillion to the U.S. economy annually, has the largest economic impact of any major sector and accounts for more than three-quarters of private-sector research and development. The NAM is the powerful voice of the manufacturing community and the leading advocate for a policy agenda that helps manufacturers compete in the global economy and create jobs across the United States. For more information about the Manufacturers or to follow us on Shopfloor, Twitter and Facebook, please visit www.nam.org..